concept stores
Concept Store Townhouse Offers Unique Finds in Zurich
Townhouse | Zurich | Switzerland
« Concept Store Townhouse Zurich for a Diverse Selection of Perfect Finds »
This small concept store Townhouse in Zurich showcases finds from around the world.
Townhouse owners Mia Zeltner and Sebastiaan Vadasz summarize their mission as the search for the perfect product – in various areas of life and for various groups of customers. From accessories for fashion savvy business men in their forties to fashion jewelry for girls they try to offer a broad variety of unique products to a diverse clientele.
They get inspired searching the web always eager to identify the perfect products for their treasure trove. And, if they can’t find what they are looking for they jump in and develop something for their private label. As such they have already designed Townhouse boxer shorts, a belt, socks, t-shirts, a ring, and their signature elephant toy and mascot. We particularly like the Townhouse elephant, a charitable item as it is handmade by mentally handicapped people in Zurich.
The handpicked items from other designers and labels include men’s fashion by English label Hentsch Man (their pick for the perfect trousers in terms of quality, material, fit and colors); affordable fashion jewelry by German label Jewelberry; silkscreened linen cushions by two young Japanese designers living in Manhattan to handmade bags; a small handpicked selection of (coffee table) books; and the bestselling Archie Grand notebooks to specially commissioned artwork. Often they also collaborate with other creatives such as their personal friend Tyler Brûlé.
Their beautiful handpicked selection of all things unique and perfect changes periodically so it is best to check back in from time to time to see what’s new. Although their shop is almost worth a trip to Zurich you can also shop their unique finds at their online shop!
We like their concept because it is another great example for young entrepreneurship at its best and a perfect fit with our own search for that special find.
Mia and Sebastiaan’s previous jobs had nothing to do with running a concept store. They simply came to a point were they decided they wanted to do something else for a living. It’s funny when you hear them talk about how things started. For instance, they rented their store before they had even thought of a concept or quit their jobs. But they are pretty relaxed about everything and we like their modesty, which seems very Swiss. Although they have already created quite some buzz for their start-up within the first year of its existence they keep both feet on the ground. When asked about their biggest milestone so far they state every day’s news to be the most thrilling part of it. But, after a moment they remembered that being mentioned as one of the top ten new stores worldwide by the German Vogue put them over the moon. Rightfully so!
Since their store also serves as their office you can easily get in touch with them and chat about their philosophy and the stories behind the brands they sell. We like this approach as it offers a personal touch that we at know what and where.com are looking for. And they benefit from such close contact to their customers as they can further tailor their selection to the needs of their clients. A classic win-win.
But go and see for yourself. Enjoy!
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Concept Store KISARA Tokyo for Great Japanese Handicrafts
© Kisara
KISARA | Tokyo | Japan
« Concept Store Kisara for Contemporary Japanese Design in Tokyo »
The beautiful concept store KISARA is located at the fancy Omotesando Hills Mall in Tokyo.
KISARA is exactly the kind of shop you can't stop looking around and certainly can't leave without buying too much! It offers quite unique design objects such as traditional Japanese handicrafts interpreted in a contemporary manner. There is plenty to discover - It's a treasure trove for unique gifts that you won't find anywhere else.
If you are looking for some piece of interior decoration, kitchen or table ware or may be just a Japanese souvenir - this is the place to go to.
KISARA’s philosophy is to support Japanese craftsmen, which makes this concept store even more interesting.
The mix of KISARA’s interior design, their selection of products and their dedication to support small businesses is truly exceptional. Again a successful and convincing statement against the boredom of mainstream shopping!
But even if you are only seeking inspiration it is worth a visit because of its beautiful arrangement of products and unique designs. So make sure you stop by to have a look next time you are in Tokyo.
But go and see for yourself.
Enjoy!
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Concept Store TUCHINFORM for Innovative Textile Design Made in Switzerland
© Tuchinform
TUCHINFORM | Winterthur (Zurich) | Switzerland
« Beautiful Concept Store for Emerging Fashion Designers in Winterthur Switzerland»
Beautiful concept store TUCHINFORM in Winterthur (Zurich) Switzerland is run by the Swiss network Tuchinform, a community of about 160 design studios working and experimenting with textiles.
The store constantly displays about 100 different labels of Tuchinform members. We believe, another great concept to allow emerging fashion designers and independent fashion labels to showcase their creations in a stylish ambiance.
Each of the offered products is handmade and produced in small batches. So if you are looking for inspiration, some unique designs or may be a shop to put your own designs on display – TUCHINFORM is a must!
You will see and feel the passion for experimenting with textiles – innovative materials or cuts, prints, knitwear or… there is plenty to discover! And, you will certainly get inspired.
If you like the concept and if you want to just support TUCHINFORM’s networking activities, we would like to stress the fact that there is also a « support organization » dedicated to support the work of TUCHINFORM. For a small annual fee you can become a member, benefit from a 10% discount on your purchases at the TUCHINFORM store while supporting the overall objective. Isn’t that a great idea?
We believe it is vital to support local designers as well as emerging talents. Wouldn’t it be great to have more such talent spotting shops established?
But go and see for yourself.
Enjoy!
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Concept Store LES LUCIOLES Shanghai for Emerging Fashion Labels with a Story
© Les Lucioles
203 Jinxian Road (near Shanxi Road), Shanghai, China
(进贤路203号, 近陕西南路)
Les Lucioles | Shanghai | China
« Concept Store Les Lucioles Shanghai - Emerging Fashion Brands with a Story »
Hip concept store « Les Lucioles » (=fireflies in French) in Shanghai's French Concession is the brainchild of Nathalie Guihaume and Sandra Richefort, two French expats.
The tiny treasure trove is filled with unique finds from allover the world and is supposed to introduce emerging fashion designers and artists from allover the world to the Chinese market and vice versa.
Sandra and Nathalie have great taste and constantly expand their selection. No matter if you look for some unique sunglasses, hip accessories, a bag, fashion jewelry, a gift or some souvenir - you might very likely find what you are looking for at Les Lucioles. But beware; the more time you spend the more amazing things you will discover.
I opted for a lovely bag by French designer Eric Raisina, whose bags are handmade in Cambodia where he offers work and training to local craftsmen at his workshop in Siem Reap. His designs are gorgeous and I just fell for the feather-like silk in pale pink that he used for my bag. But there is so much more to discover. To do some name dropping of my favorite finds at Les Lucioles after all:
Discover « Warmi »’s traditional hand-knitted sweaters and Boleros from baby Alpaca by French-Colombian designer Sylvia Toth. Warmi is a truly exceptional brand as it offers great design with a deeper sense. Each piece is handmade in Colombia, numbered and comes with an ID card of the women that knitted it, including details such as in which village she lives and how many hours she worked on the piece. Isn't this a great idea?
Discover French interior designer and fashion stylist Murielle Bourdette’s fashion label « Delicious Freaks », which produces unique scarves with exciting prints. The scarves are very soft due to the Mongolian cashmere used. All prints are handmade using 100% natural pigments and a tincture based on water for environmental aspects.
Discover handcrafted bags by « Rue de Nanette », a hip label established by French designer Nadège Arnaud in Marrakech.
Discover « JenMood », a jewelry designer that came up with some jewelry for glasses to replace glass holders. Her hip and versatile necklaces from 70% cotton are entirely handmade in France and can be worn with or without glasses attached to them and that are far from being boring.
Discover Hong Kong designer Cheung Lik’s innovative jewelry label «WearAndTear», which experiments with materials, forms and techniques such as knitting and weaving to come up with its unique creations.
Discover New York label «iWood» ’s hip sunglasses from wood, French designer’s Servane Gaxotte’s cute doll pendants, the awesome porcelain jewelry by French designer Violette Van Parys and, and, and….
Les Lucioles might be small but trust us, you could spend hours and if it’s only to learn more about all the great stories behind the selected labels or to chat with the lovely owners! Alternatively, you can shop online at Les Lucioles.
We really like what Nathalie and Sandra have come up with so far and we would hope that they’d had more space to offer an even broader variety of emerging labels as they for sure have an eye for it.
But go and see for yourself. Enjoy!
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Concept Store Cactus - hip rent a box concept store in Singapore
© Cactus
CACTUS | Singapore
« Cool Concept Store for Emerging Designers »
CACTUS is the name of this cool and futuristic looking concept store at Marina Square Mall in Singapore.
At CACTUS you can find all kinds of hip designs such as fashion wear and accessories, lifestyle products, gifts, stationery items etc.
CACTUS’ intention is to offer an ever-changing mix of truly unique and innovative products. How do they do it? CACTUS’ mission is to provide an opportunity for up and coming designers to showcase their ideas and products in an affordable, convenient and fully serviced retail space. The idea is as simple as this: you rent a cubic for a reasonable fee to put your design on display.
The credo is « Think Big, Start Small ». We believe CACTUS' business model is quite unique and inspiring as start-ups often lack the money or connections to make their products available to a bigger crowd. But CACTUS is also great for consumers as it offers you an abundant source of inspiration due to its continuously amended display of new and unique products.
CACTUS may be called another great example and statement against the mainstream shopping boredom of always the same stuff everywhere else. We just love it!
It is young entrepreneurship at its best. May be this is enough motivation for those of you who had a nagging desire to come up with some designs?
If you are a designer or just a curious shopper seeking inspiration, make sure to drop by on your next visit to Singapore. You will get inspired - that’s for sure.
But go and see for yourself.
Enjoy!
N.B.: There is hope for all of us not living in Singapore! CACTUS plans to expand its business beyond Singapore - Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, New York, Paris and who knows where else!
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CHOCOLATE Concept Store Truffe in Zurich - Chocolate PARADISE
TRUFFE | Zurich | Switzerland
« Beautiful Chocolate & Lifestyle Concept Store »
Chocolate concept store TRUFFE should be a must on your next trip to Zurich - besides Teuscher and Sprüngli of course.
Elisabetta Capei, an Italian art historian and interior designer with a passion for the fine and luxury things owns this paradise for chocoholics in beautiful Zurich - just a few steps away from famous Bahnhofstrasse and Paradeplatz.
At TRUFFE (French for Truffles) you can find all sorts of beautiful things – great chocolates from various countries, interior design objects, china, antique silverware, linen and Kashmir products as well as a selection of books.
TRUFFE is supposed to be a space for well-being and if you love chocolate this is the place to be! Just to do some name dropping of chocolate brands you will be able to discover at TRUFFE: Venchi (IT), Gobino (IT), Gertosio (IT), Amedei (IT), Babbi (IT), Rococo (UK), Chapon (FR) etc. There are also some seasonal variations, which make this a place you want to go back to.
In addition, it is said that TRUFFE offers the best hot chocolate north of Modena!
Specials: If you are allergic to lactose or if you just want to keep an eye on your calorie intake, TRUFFE will have something delicious for you.
Further they also offer some special experiences around chocolate such as blind tastings and custom-made productions.
And they do some of the best gift wrapping in town!
So be sure to drop by on your next trip to Zurich. It will be a joy for all your senses.
But go and see for yourself. Enjoy!
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Donna Hay Concept Store - lifestyle and food Treasure trove in Sydney
© Donna Hay
DONNA HAY'S GENERAL STORE | Sydney | Australia
« Shopping Paradise and a Must for Foodies and Donna’s Fans »
Donna Hay, famous Australian food writer and editor just recently opened this beautiful lifestyle and food concept store in Woollahra, Sydney.
Donna is one of our favorite cookbook writers because her recipes are always incredibly delicious, the food looks good, the list of ingredients is short, the dishes are prepared and cooked in almost no time and they are always a big success with our fellow foodies. It doesn’t matter if you are a rookie or an experienced cook! If you like food with some Asian twist, you will certainly enjoy her simple yet mouthwatering recipes. And who knows, become a passionate chef? She certainly transformed us!
But, this review is not about Donna’s books, which you will find in the rolling clips right next to this entry.
It is about her recently opened concept treasure store! After three years of renovating a 19th century sandstone house, she realized her longtime dream and just recently opened her « General Store ».
Like Donna says « a perfect place to get inspired and buy a little something for some one you love or to simply treat your home or self »! There are treasures from all over the world: ceramics, glassware, modern letterpress stationery, hand-poured candles, hand-knitted baby blankets, organic soaps, scents for the home and - as to be expected - some sweet temptation such as macaroons, hand-rolled chocolate truffles, meringues and handmade caramels that should not be missed.
So, if you are traveling to Sydney you should definitely drop by to have a look. Donna’s mission is to offer « a collection of all things beautiful » and we believe she is right.
But go and see for yourself.
Enjoy!
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